Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Klein.
Hi Jared, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always dreamed about owning a restaurant. Came to Texas six years ago to learn the business at a friend’s place. After three years, I was ready to go back to California to open something out there when I found my current location.
It used to be a Thai restaurant and I overheard the bartender talking about their new location. I knew it was a perfect spot for me, so the next day I found out who owned the property and had a lease signed within a week. A year later, The Backyard was open for business. The question I get asked all the time is why Mac n cheese.
The answer is pretty simple… I’ve always loved Mac n cheese and there’s so much you can do with it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We knew going into it that there would be many obstacles. Our biggest obstacle was the ongoing construction on Highway 146. Another obstacle for us is the size of our kitchen.
The building is technically an old house, so the kitchen is no bigger than your average residential kitchen. And while it has been upgraded with commercial equipment we are limited on size, so when we do get busy the ticket times can get long.
And of course, the biggest struggle has been the pandemic. We’re still fighting every day just to keep the doors open. Sales are down, the cost of goods is way up and we’ve been severely understaffed. We’d love to be open seven days a week, but we’re still only able to operate Thursday-Sunday
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After college, I got into real estate in northern California. I fell in love with the business, but after 10+ years I was burned out. It just became a way to pay the bills. I always believed that if you choose a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.
When I didn’t feel that way anymore I decided to get out of the real estate. I spent a few years doing odd jobs working for friends and family. Some great some not so great. Then in 2012, I came to Texas for a friend’s wedding. That’s when I saw their restaurant for the first time and fell in love with everything they built.
They offered to teach me everything and while it took me a few years to take them up on that offer I eventually made the move
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books: The 7 habits of highly effective people, restaurant success, running a bar/restaurant for dummies, beer school, and Tuesdays with Morrie.
Contact Info:
- Email: backyardseabrook@gmail.com
- Website: www.backyardseabrook.com
- Instagram: @backyardseabrook
- Facebook: @backyardseabrook
